Planning a hair restoration treatment in Irvine? This comprehensive person checklist covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your treatment. Print it out, check off each item as you go, and use it to stay organized throughout the process. A well-planned treatment is a successful treatment — and this checklist helps you avoid the most common mistakes Irvine people make when undertaking hair restoration work.
Whether you are comparing provider recommendations, preparing your needs, or managing the work in progress, these steps will guide you through every phase. We have compiled this checklist based on feedback from hundreds of Irvine people and input from our network of hair restoration professionals. Each item represents a real lesson learned from actual projects in the Irvine area.
Use this checklist to research hair restoration honestly, vet surgeons and clinics, and prepare for a transplant with realistic expectations.
Researching Your Options
☐ Understand that a transplant moves existing hair and does not stop future loss
☐ Research FUE versus FUT and which suits your hair type and lifestyle
☐ Know the typical cost of 3 to 8 per graft before collecting recommendations
☐ Estimate your graft needs, usually 1,500 to 2,500 for early thinning
☐ Read realistic timelines: shedding at 2 to 4 weeks and full results at 6 to 12 months
☐ Consider 6 to 12 months of finasteride or minoxidil before surgery
☐ Ask about PRP sessions at 400 to 800 each if early thinning is your main issue
☐ Look into scalp micropigmentation at 1,500 to 4,000 if you prefer a shaved look
☐ List the risks and side effects of each medication and procedure
☐ Set a budget that includes follow-ups, medications, and possible touch-ups
Vetting Surgeons and Clinics
☐ Confirm the surgeon is board-certified in dermatology or plastic surgery
☐ Check for ABHRS certification in hair restoration specifically
☐ Ask how many transplants the surgeon performs each year
☐ Request before-and-after photos of patients with your hair type and loss pattern
☐ Ask who performs the extraction and placement at every step
☐ Verify the graft count is written into the recommendation
☐ Ask about the clinic revision and refund policy in writing
☐ Watch for hair mill signs: sales pressure, stock photos, and rock-bottom pricing
☐ Ask whether a physician handles the consultation, not just a sales representative
☐ Compare itemized recommendations from at least two clinics
Before, During, and After Surgery
☐ Complete bloodwork and any medical clearance your surgeon requests
☐ Stop blood-thinning medications and supplements at the surgeon direction
☐ Arrange time off and help for the first few days after surgery
☐ Confirm the anesthesia plan and who administers it
☐ Follow the wash and care instructions from day one
☐ Expect shedding at 2 to 4 weeks and do not panic
☐ Ask when you can resume exercise, hats, and hair products
☐ Schedule the follow-up visits at 3, 6, and 12 months
☐ Plan to continue finasteride or minoxidil to protect remaining hair
☐ Document your progress with photos at each milestone
Ready to Get Started?
You have done your research and reviewed the checklist. Now it is time to find the right hair restoration professional for your treatment. Our matching service connects you with qualified licensed hair restoration providers in Irvine within one business day — completely free, with no obligation.
Each pro has been verified for CA licensing, proper insurance coverage, and positive customer references. You receive their recommendations, compare them side by side, and choose the best fit for your treatment and budget. There is never any pressure and never any cost to you. Call (949) 739-0087 or request your free matching online.